NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 13, 2009) – Thomas Nelson, the world’s leading Christian publisher, announced Tuesday it is partnering with the world’s leading self-publishing company, Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI), to launch WestBow Press—a Christian self-publishing imprint. The alliance will allow authors to benefit from the market leadership of Thomas Nelson, while taking advantage of ASI’s technology and services that make publishing easy, affordable, and available to anyone.

Long regarded as an industry innovator, Nelson’s creation of WestBow Press provides new and emerging authors the opportunity to publish with the global leader in Christian publishing. Thomas Nelson will monitor WestBow Press titles for the purpose of entering into a traditional publishing contracts for those that perform well.

“At Thomas Nelson, our purpose is to ‘Inspire the World,’” said Michael Hyatt, Thomas Nelson chief executive officer. “With the creation of WestBow Press, we will be able to help more authors realize their dream of being a published author while discovering more diamonds in the rough to add to our roster.”

Through this strategic partnership, ASI will manage WestBow Press on behalf of Thomas Nelson, and be responsible for selling and delivering a rich array of publishing, marketing, and book-selling services, unique to WestBow Press. Kevin Weiss, ASI president and chief executive officer, believes the WestBow Press partnership will serve as a blueprint for other similar alliances.

“We are very excited to join forces with Thomas Nelson in this partnership, We believe the tradition and extensive segment leadership that Thomas Nelson brings, along with ASI’s cutting-edge sales, marketing, and production capabilities will help to revolutionize the publishing industry,” said Weiss.

ASI, the parent company of industry-leading self-publishing imprints AuthorHouse, iUniverse, Trafford Publishing, and Xlibris, brought to market more than 21,000 new titles in 2008. Since 1997, ASI imprints have published more than 120,000 titles by 85,000 authors worldwide.

To learn more about the publishing packages available through WestBow Press, visit www.westbowpress.com.

About WestBow Press
WestBow Press is a strategic self-publishing alliance of Thomas Nelson, the world’s premier Christian publisher, and Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI)—the world leader in the fastest-growing segment of publishing. Through this partnership, authors benefit from the rich publishing heritage of Thomas Nelson and the speed-to-market advantages of the ASI self-publishing model. Titles published through WestBow Press will be evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication under the Thomas Nelson imprint. For more information, visit www.westbowpress.com.

DEBUT AUTHOR
In the Shadow of the Sun King  (Golden Keyes Parsons)

LITS
Sweet Caroline  (Rachel Hauck)

LONG CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
The Convenient Groom (Denise Hunter)

SUSPENSE
Anathema (Colleen Coble)
Lonestar Sanctuary  (Colleen Coble)

WOMEN’S FICTION
The Perfect Life (Robin Lee Hatcher)

ACFW boasts over 1800 members worldwide—authors, editors, agents, publicists and aspiring writers—working “to promote Christian Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the industry.” Award winners will be named at this year’s annual conference in Denver, CO, September 17-20, at a ceremony to be held Saturday night.  Winning authors will receive plaques; their editors will also be recognized.

At age 10, waiting with his family to catch a flight from Havana to freedom, Ralph de la Vega saw his parents make a decision that shaped the rest of his life.   Abruptly told by Cuban officials that “only the boy can go,” they had a wrenching decision to make.  Their choice to send him to America alone set him on a lifelong course of facing tough situations head-on, always expecting to discover opportunity.

He has found - and often created - opportunity in abundance, all the way to the top ranks of the wireless industry as CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  Ralph de la Vega combines his compelling personal story with practical lessons for success in business and life in his book, OBSTACLES WELCOME (Thomas Nelson, October 2009).

The idea for the book came from audience reactions whenever de la Vega salted his speeches with childhood glimpses of being separated from family and figuring out how to get along in a strange country.  Whether peer executives, employees or a Junior Achievement class, the first  question always was the same – “how did you do it?”

OBSTACLES WELCOME provides straight-forward answers for anyone willing to follow his mantra – “get a good education, work hard, and  be willing to sacrifice ”  De la Vega says of the book, “I describe my journey so readers might grow in their lives and reach their most ambitious goals by taking some of the same steps.”

De la Vega’s adventures did not stop with boyhood.   As a rising executive he overcame political turmoil in Latin America to turn BellSouth’s wireless operations profitable, grew a new line of business; led the rebuilding of two telecom networks after Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina; vaulted BellSouth’s Internet and broadband business to industry leadership; and managed the biggest (at the time) cash merger in US history, Cingular and AT&T Wireless.

What Others Say about OBSTACLES WELCOME
Honorable Andrew Young, former US Ambassador to the United Nations - “De la Vega’s leadership principles are a great example of public purpose capitalism- a profit model guided by integrity, a genuine concern for workers  and a commitment to providing a product that improves a community.  I recommend this book to those looking to improve their opportunities, as well as those providing leadership in this diverse society.”

Randall Stephenson, Chairman and CEO, AT&T - “Through his compelling story, Ralph shows how to turn almost any challenge into the opportunity of a lifetime. This is great insight for any professional or any young person aspiring to learn how to overcome obstacles and accept new challenges.”

John Graham, Chairman, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc. - “This is one of the most inspiring books and one of the best business publications that I’ve read in my 40-plus years in the communications business … illustrates business values that any entrepreneur can directly apply, a must-read for any young entrepreneur just starting out, and a valuable resource to all professionals seeking to improve their business skills.”

Henry Cisneros, Executive Chairman, CityView (former Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and former Mayor of San Antonio) - An All-American story for our times … he conveys insights and wisdom that he amassed on his journey with the clarity and conviction that will guide other Americans in their quest.”

Frank D. Alvarez, President  & CEO, Hispanic Scholarship Fund - “His story telling brings history to life, be it Cuba, hurricanes, the digital age or the merger of two corporate giants and leaves one feeling all is possible.  Thank you Mr. de la Vega for continuing to give back to our country in this special way.”

Sean C. Rush, President & CEO JA Worldwide - “Whether you are a corporate executive, a non-profit leader, a college student or just beginning high school, Ralph de la Vega’s book is a compelling read.  His personal tale is an inspiration for all.”

Robert Mazucca, Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America - “Ralph’s story and the resulting road map for life that has evolved from it contain a vital message to all of us.  In a world where personal responsibility is rare indeed, Ralph describes a life formula that embraces taking responsibility for one’s own destiny.”

About The Author
Ralph de la Vega is President and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T), a premier communications holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates provide wireless and wireline voice and data services, high speed Internet access, IPTV and other services in the U.S. and around the world. Mr. de la Vega began his career in 1974 with BellSouth (then Southern Bell) as a management assistant. He has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility in Network Planning, Consumer Services, Engineering and Operations.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of both Junior Achievement Worldwide and the Boy Scouts of America. He plays a leadership role in helping both organizations recruit Hispanic youth. A native of Cuba, he holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Florida Atlantic University and a master’s degree in business administration from Northern Illinois University, and he has completed the Executive Program at the University of Virginia.

Contact:
Curt Harding
615.902.2246
charding@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) Today, Dr. Richard G. Lee, the General Editor of The American Patriot’s Bible, officially announced that he has launched the “Honor and Pray for an American Patriot” campaign on americanpatriotsbible.com in partnership with his publisher Thomas Nelson, Inc. Together they’re challenging Christian Americans to rise up and pray for the nation and those who have dedicated their lives to being a positive influence on its citizens and the world.

This is a time for our local communities to recognize people that they believe represent a true American Patriot. A patriot could be a former teacher, family member, military officer, civil servant, pastor, etc., who has prominently displayed the godly qualities that helped shape the legacy of our great nation and who have followed the path paved by godly men and women, like those discussed in The American Patriot’s Bible.

As a part of this nation-wide challenge, visitors to americanpatriotsbible.com can share a name, story, and photo to be displayed in an online American Patriot’s gallery. Those represented will receive a special certificate of recognition letting them know that they have been honored for their faith, patriotism, and loyalty. The dedications will also allow individuals and churches to pray for the people in the gallery.

“Now, more than ever in America, it’s essential that Christians take a stand to say ‘in God we still trust.’ We need to be in prayer about what’s happening in the United States as well as the world,” says Lee.

“I’ve no doubt that each of us has witnessed Christian works in action, and it’s by those examples that others are often motivated to leave their personal mark for Christ. The ‘Honor and Pray for An American Patriot’ campaign was developed to recognize and celebrate our modern-day patriots of faith,” notes Wayne Hastings, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher for Thomas Nelson, Inc.’s Bible Group.

The idea for the call to action stemmed from the subject matter included in The American Patriot’s Bible (Thomas Nelson) which reveals how faith has impacted the overall formation of this country. Joining with the sacred New King James version (NKJV) text are stories of American heroes, quotations from and articles about many of America’s greatest thinkers, historic photographs, and beautiful illustrations that present the rich heritage and tremendous future of the United States of America.

Dr. Richard G. Lee is the Founding Pastor of First Redeemer Church in Atlanta. There’s Hope America, the radio and television ministry for which Dr. Lee is a speaker, is broadcast nationwide in 42 million homes across the U.S. and in 17 additional countries.
Thomas Nelson, Inc. is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes. For more information on the company and titles, visit http://www.thomasnelson.com.
Contact:    Brenda Smotherman
Publicist
tel:    (615) 902-2231
fax:    (615) 902-1132
email: bsmotherman@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. was awarded six of Christian Retailing’s 2009 Retailer’s Choice Awards. The awards were announced on Monday, July 13th at the International Christian Retail Show in Denver, Colorado. Thomas Nelson received more any other publishing house and walked away with a fifth of the cumulative awards.

“There are two things about Retailer’s Choice Awards that make them among the highest honors in the industry,” said Michael S. Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson. “First, the awards are selected by Christian retailers, who work on the front lines helping Christians strengthen their spiritual journey. Second, the awards are judged on a product’s ability to inspire, encourage, and affirm Godly living. I am so proud of our team.”

The Thomas Nelson winners are:

• The Word of Promise Next Generation: New Testament Audio Bible (Audio)
• Baby’s First Bible (Bibles: General)
• What in the World Is Going On? by David Jeremiah (Bibles - General)
• Fireproof by Eric Wilson (Fiction: General)
• Looking Up When Life Is Looking Down by Beth Moore (Gift Books)
• Chronological Study Bible Campaign (Marketing/Promotion Campaign)

Products nominated for the 2009 Retailer’s Choice Awards must include clear Christian content, message or worldview. Retailers judged the 250 nominations in 30 categories on the impact they have had on staff and customers, including their ability to speak to people’s hearts and evoke emotion, open people’s minds to new ways of thinking, and encourage and affirm Christ-like living. For more a complete listing of the 2009 Retailer’s Choice Awards, visit www.retailerschoiceawards.com.

Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes.  For more information, visit our website www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:    Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications   

tel:    (615) 902-1109    

fax:  (615) 902-1110
cell:  (615) 476-5984    

e-mail:  lnobles@thomasnelson.com

“The move to Thomas Nelson is a major strategic decision for MBI and one that we are confident will enable the next phase of exciting growth for the company,” said Mike Park, Commercial Director of MBI.  “We have already built up an excellent working relationship with Thomas Nelson which bodes fantastically well for a mutually successful future.  We are very excited and can feel that excitement reflected throughout Thomas Nelson.”

“We are thrilled to begin distributing MBI’s product domestically,” agreed Tod Shuttleworth, Senior Vice President of Specialty and Global Publishing at Thomas Nelson. “Their innovative products will be a wonderful compliment to our existing children’s line. I believe that together, we can grow MBI’s presence throughout the United States.”

About Thomas Nelson
Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes.  For more information, visit our website www.thomasnelson.com.

About Make Believe Ideas
Make Believe Ideas is a publisher of innovative books for children and babies. Beautifully designed and featuring a range of stimulating novelties, our books encourage creativity and promote learning. For more information, visit our website www.makebelieveideas.com.

Contact: Lindsey Nobles
Thomas Nelson
(615) 902-1109 o
(615) 476-5984 c
lnobles@thomasnelson.com

Nashville, TN-June 15, 2009- Thomas Nelson, a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes, announces that they will host a shoe drive and donation campaign, from Monday, June 8 through Monday, June 22, 2009, for the non-profit Soles4Souls, the international shoe charity dedicated to providing new shoes to people in need.

“Soles4Souls can use each and every one of these unused or “gently-worn” shoes to make a tangible difference in someone’s life,” said Michael Hyatt, Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Nelson.  “Recently, all of our employees joined me and come barefoot to the office.  By going barefoot, we could better understand the daily challenges of the millions of people around the world with no shoes to wear and help raise awareness of this wonderful organization”  he adds.

“We are delighted that Thomas Nelson has created this program to help Soles4Souls give immediate aid to Americans in need during difficult times,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder & CEO of Soles4Souls.  Elsey adds that “the U.S. government estimates that there are 300 million children in the world who have never owned a pair of shoes.  With the help of Thomas Nelson’s generous employees, we can continue to help those in desperate need across the United States.”

As a special incentive to get serious about shoe donations, Thomas Nelson will provide four hours off with pay to the employee who donates the most pairs of shoes during the Shoe Drive and for households have more than one pair of feet, they will have two winners—one for single employees and one for an employee family.

In addition, in exchange for their shoes, Soles4Souls will provide each employee with a pair of Soles4Souls flip-flops to take home and wear at their leisure. Note: any employees that have a job requiring that they wear closed toe shoes will apply the rules and wear their normal shoes to perform their job duties.

Lastly, to raise awareness for the Thomas Nelson shoe drive and further educate them on the charity’s mission of “Changing the World, One Pair at a Time”, the Soles4Souls RV will be stop by their offices on Friday, June 19, 2009 as they make their way across country on their North American tour.

To read Michael Hyatt’s recent blog post about Soles4Souls, “The Gift of Shoes”, please visit http://tr.im/n6AK

To read Wayne Elsey’s recount of “Barefoot Week”, please visit http://www.wayneelsey.com/

During Barefoot Week, a yearly campaign encourage grass-roots participation, Soles4Souls distributes more than 50,000 pairs of new shoes in the United States while it also collects “gently worn” shoes from the general public during thousands of concurrent shoe drives at retailers, schools, churches and community centers.

Numerous celebrities support Barefoot Week in hopes of encouraging more participation with the charity’s programs Scarlett Johansson, who has donated 2000 pairs of new shoes from her own line of Reebok footwear, lends her name each year to help raise publicity about Barefoot Week. Other celebrities, such as Antawn Jamison, Jessica Simpson, Kellie Pickler, Luke Perry, Riddick Bowe, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Amy Grant and Chris Hope also voice their support for the weeklong series of events.

# # #

About Soles4Souls
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 5 million pairs (currently donating one pair every 13 seconds) to people in over 125 countries, including Honduras, Uganda, Romania, and the United States.  The charity has been featured recently in Runner’s World and the Green Guide by National Geographic.  It has also appeared on CNN, NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, and hundreds of regional outlets around North America.  Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.

Contacts: Lindsey Nobles
Thomas Nelson
(615) 902-1109 o
(615) 476-5984 c
lnobles@thomasnelson.com   

Kim Dettwillerz
Soles4Souls
(615) 321-4073 o
(615) 330-5656 c
kimd@giveshoes.org

According to the organization, what makes the HOLT Medallion unique is its purpose of reflecting the actual marketplace. Judging panels are comprised only of avid romance readers who are looking for “a good read, a book they would buy and an author they would follow.” Editors, agents, and writers are not eligible to judge.

The HOLT Medallion has been awarded annually since 1995. This year’s winner will be announced at the 29th Annual National RWA conference in Washington, D.C., July 15-18, 2009.

Nashville, TN—Thomas Nelson Fiction is pleased to announce the signing of Kimberly Cash Tate to a contract to write contemporary romantic fiction.  The division continues to grow its offerings in this genre, signing talented authors to write books appealing to all women who enjoy Christian fiction.

Kimberly Cash Tate is best known for her popular nonfiction book More Christian Than African-American, in which she shares her personal journey: from growing up without God in her life to transformation through accepting Christ in 1994.  She is an alumnus of the University of Maryland, College Park and The George Washington University Law School. She spent nearly ten years practicing law and is now devoted fulltime to caring for her young children.  Tate has also established an extensive library of devotions on her website.

“We could tell immediately that Kim’s voice is special. She has an incredible heart for ministry, and we knew that the deep faith she would bring to her books would capture female readers’ hearts and uplift them in the way only a faith-filled story can. Her stories will offer so much to so many,” said Ami McConnell, Senior Acquisitions Editor.

Tate’s first Thomas Nelson novel, as of yet untitled, is set for publication in the fall of 2010.

“The company’s mission to inspire others through God’s Word matches my personal mission,” notes Ballerini. “Thomas Nelson is a place where my Christian values and beliefs will be supported, strengthened, and utilized to fuel the professional marketing efforts for some of the most dynamic Bible and study products available today. I am excited by both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Carla Ballerini’s experience in marketing, communications and public relations spans more than two decades of achievement with major product and service corporations nationwide.  She established Ballerini Marketing in 1992, where she created marketed materials and creative advertising campaigns for companies throughout the Southeast for which she has received numerous Addy Awards for national creative campaigns for Philips Consumer Electronics Company, Philips Business Solutions, Ski Beech, Shoney’s Restaurants, Y-12 Federal Credit Union, and others.

Prior to establishing Ballerini Marketing, she served as Senior Vice President of The Rowland Company, one of the largest public relations and marketing communications agencies in the world and a division of Saatchi & Saatchi Company PLC, London.
Carla Ballerini has directed a variety of award-winning national marketing communications campaigns including the launch of Philips’ Compact Disc Interactive (CD-i) technology; TEDDY RUXPIN, the first animated talking toy; LAZER TAG, a unique infrared light technology toy; Intelligy Corporations’ WINGS early learning program; Polaroid’s Cool Cam, Honey Hill Farms frozen yogurt and Cooper Wiring Devices’ Aspire RF and MediaSync.

“Carla’s experience offers a fresh outlook to our team” comments Hastings. “We’re excited to have her join us in our vision of offering Bible, reference, and curriculum products that inspire the world.”

Contact:    Brenda Smotherman
Publicist
tel:    (615) 902-2231
fax:    (615) 902-1132
web:    www.thomasnelson.com